Ryan Walters has announced his resignation as Oklahoma's State Superintendent of Public Instruction to become the CEO of the Teacher Freedom Alliance. The move shifts him from a public-sector role overseeing state education to a private-sector position leading a national organization positioned as an alternative to traditional teachers' unions.
The announcement was made during an appearance on Fox News, with Walters stating his official transition to the new role is set for October 1st. The decision has drawn swift reactions from political figures across Oklahoma.
Key Takeaways
- Ryan Walters is stepping down as Oklahoma's State Superintendent of Public Instruction.
- He will become the new CEO of the Teacher Freedom Alliance, a national organization.
- The Teacher Freedom Alliance was launched in March as an alternative to teachers' unions by the Freedom Foundation.
- Political opponents, including Oklahoma's Attorney General, have criticized Walters' tenure and his decision to resign.
Details of the Transition
Ryan Walters confirmed his departure from the Oklahoma State Department of Education during a late-night interview. He will assume leadership of the Teacher Freedom Alliance, an organization he has previously supported.
"I'm excited to announce I'll be stepping down as Oklahoma State Superintendent and taking on the role as the CEO of the Teacher Freedom Alliance," Walters stated during the broadcast.
His new position is scheduled to begin next Wednesday, October 1st. In a statement released by the Teacher Freedom Alliance, Walters emphasized the organization's goals. He said, "We're giving educators real freedom," and added, "We will arm teachers with the tools, support and freedom they need without forcing them to give up their values."
Despite the announcement of his resignation, Walters was still expected to conduct the regularly scheduled Oklahoma State Board of Education meeting the following morning. This created a unique situation where he would preside over state education matters after publicly declaring his move to the private sector.
Recent Controversial Initiatives
Walters' resignation follows a series of contentious policy announcements. Just days before his departure was made public, he revealed plans to establish a Turning Point USA chapter in every high school across Oklahoma. This move, along with others during his tenure, has been a focal point of political debate within the state.
Understanding the Teacher Freedom Alliance
The Teacher Freedom Alliance (TFA) is a relatively new organization in the national education landscape. It was launched in March by the Freedom Foundation, a conservative think tank. The TFA presents itself as a direct alternative for educators who are dissatisfied with traditional teachers' unions.
According to its founding press release, the TFA aims to provide "pro-America educators a place to find support and comradery in an organization dedicated to restoring the broken education system." The organization states that membership comes at no additional cost to educators who choose to join.
The Freedom Foundation's website elaborates on the TFA's mission, stating it was created to address "the growing frustration teachers have with the direction public education is rapidly heading in no small part due to the radical agenda of the teachers unions."
Walters' Previous Endorsement
Ryan Walters was a vocal supporter of the Teacher Freedom Alliance when it was first established. In a March news release from the organization, he was quoted expressing his support for its mission.
"Teachers deserve the ability to be rewarded for being great," Walters said at the time. "They will no longer be harassed into joining an organization that is laser focused on breaking up the moral fiber of America." He also stated his commitment to keeping concepts like Critical Race Theory (CRT), Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), and gender ideology out of classrooms.
A History of Conflict with Teachers' Unions
Throughout his time as State Superintendent, Ryan Walters has been an outspoken critic of teachers' unions. He has frequently accused them of promoting what he describes as "liberal indoctrination" and "liberal propaganda" within Oklahoma schools.
His rhetoric has often been pointed and controversial. During a 2023 meeting with the Oklahoma House of Representatives, Walters made a direct and provocative comparison when discussing his approach to negotiations.
A Controversial Comparison
In a 2023 legislative meeting, when asked about working with teachers' unions, Walters stated, "I don’t negotiate with the teachers union. They’re a terrorist organization." This remark drew significant attention and criticism from educators and lawmakers who requested he provide proof of indoctrination in schools.
This long-standing adversarial relationship provides context for his move to an organization specifically designed to challenge the influence of established unions. His new role as CEO will allow him to continue this work on a national scale.
Reactions from Oklahoma Officials
The announcement of Walters' resignation prompted immediate responses from other high-profile Oklahoma officials, many of whom were critical of his leadership.
Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued a sharp rebuke of Walters' tenure. He described the "Stitt-Walters era" as an "embarrassment to our state." Drummond pointed to academic performance, stating that "test scores and reading proficiency are at historic lows." He concluded that it is "time for a state superintendent who will actually focus on quality instruction."
State Senate Democratic Leader Julia Kirk also commented on the departure. "It’s no surprise Ryan Walters has chosen his own personal ambitions over serving our students and teachers," she said in a statement, adding, "Like he always has."
Future Political Ambitions
The move to the private sector comes after Walters had previously indicated he was weighing other political options. In a recent interview, he acknowledged that a run for governor was not off the table.
"Look, we’re looking at all of our options right now. And again, I’ve got a lot of folks that really want me to jump in," Walters said earlier in the year. He had stated he would have further conversations about his political future after the school year and legislative session concluded. His new role with the TFA will provide him with a national platform, though it is unclear how this affects any potential gubernatorial aspirations.
The State Board of Education will now face the task of navigating a leadership transition while addressing the ongoing challenges in Oklahoma's public education system.
